Plans are made for breaking: This is the cardinal rule of parenthood and one they should tattoo on every new mom and dad as they bubble-wrap their infant in the high-tech car seat for that memorable First Ride Home (also known as the Great Mom Dilemma: do I ride in front with my husband, the supposed love of my life, or do I ride in the back with my fragile, needy infant thereby initiating a lifelong pattern of letting the kids come between us?!)

Somehow we seem to forget this lesson, come January 1st with its lists and resolutions and padlocks on the refrigerator only to watch our noble aspirations gather dust bunnies just like the boxed set of kickboxing DVDs under out bed. This year, I resolved was going to be different. I started out by asking my four children, ages 8, 6, 4 and 1, what their New Year's Resolutions for 2011 are. Here's what I learned:

1. Keep goals manageable. My 8-year-old answered, "This year I am going to beat LEGO TM (He even says the "tm" - a little tidbit I plan on repeating endlessly at his graduation from law school) Harry Potter on the Wii." Considering he plays it hours a day - hush, never judge a mother with four children home on Christmas break - that should be by this weekend. "I know," he answered when I pointed that out. "Already I can tell this year's gonna be great!" Sure it's great to dream big and say this is the year you're finally going to get that Twilight tribute craft boutique going - just like you do every year - but what if this time you broke it down to "This year I'm going to write a business plan and open an Etsy shop."?

2. Have realistic expectations. "This year I resolve to earn lots of money," my 6-year-old replied. "But you don't earn any money now," I answered. (Me = joy kill.) "Yep! That's why any money I get will be a lot." There's a fine line between realism and cynicism but taking a good look at your life and being honest about what commitments you already have and what resources you need can save you a lot of self recrimination later. You can't do everything. I'm sorry, somebody had to tell you.

3. Accept yourself where you are. My 4-year-old answered sagely, "This year I wesolve... nuffing." While I'm pretty sure that's because he doesn't know what the word "resolve" means and is generally contrary by nature, he does make a good point. Why beat yourself up over the last ten pounds for another 365 days? If you're healthy why not allow yourself to be happy too?

4. Celebrate the small successes. Ever watch a toddler walk and then fall down because they paused to clap for themselves? We could all use a little more enthusiastic clapping on our own behalf. Tearing yourself down doesn't get you any closer to your goals - try being your own best cheerleader. And if you fall down? Just cry until someone comes and picks you up. Kidding. You're an adult: Stand back up.

Are you making resolutions this year or do you have a different plan for achieving your goals? Did you sit in the front seat or the back seat on the way home from the hospital with your new baby?